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Historians agree that the modern colonization of Africa began in 1885 — at the Berlin Conference. At that gathering, European nations agreed to divide the African Continent among the themselves. By 1915, Europeans ruled most of Africa, and remained its rulers until the late 1980s. After World War II, Africans began to resist European domination and demand independence. Still, self-serving military leaders kept the continent in chaos, even as people tried to stabilize and build their nations. Repeatedly, these fragile nations proved the reality of the saying we find in Proverbs 28:2, “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.” Despite these obstacles, one wise African, Nelson Mandela, has proved the truthfulness of another part of that same proverb — that “wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.” Even though the South African Government kept him in prison 27 years because of his liberation efforts, Mandela emerged to become the first Black president of his country. Solomon made other statements about integrity in government: He wrote, “Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the LORD understand completely.” He also said, “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Since individuals make up nations, it behooves each of us to live godly in order to have a great country.
